Final: Nationals 5, Angels 4

The Angels closer blew a ninth-inning three-run lead in a 5-4 loss to the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night. The winning rally began when No. 8 hitter Jose Lobaton hit the fifth homer of the young season against Frieri, who has pitched only 8 2/3 innings.

An out later, Frieri gave up a Denard Span single, a walk to Anthony Rendon and a double to Jayson Werth, tying the game.

Fernando Salas gave up a single to Adam LaRoche, winning the game.

Frieri has blown two saves in four chances so far this season. Meanwhile Joe Smith, Michael Kohn and Salas have all been pitching well, leading to obvious questions about the security of Frieri's job.

Frieri’s ninth-inning nightmare prevented the Angels from sweeping the series and getting over .500 for the first time this year.

Up until the ninth, the Angels had a 4-1 lead, built on the strength of six innings from Jered Weaver and scoreless innings from Kohn and Smith.